By Samantha McClellan
On Feb. 5, 2025, protesters gathered from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Constitution Avenue and Delaware Avenue NE to protest the halt in US foreign aid and the laying off of USAID employees.
The group of protesters included current employees and former employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of State. Others included employees of partner organizations and supporters of U.S foreign aid.
Those involved with USAID expressed grievances against the immediate halt to their jobs and the uncertainty of future employment. In addition, some voiced concerns regarding the loss of U.S. foreign aid for countries dependent on financial and humanitarian assistance.
The protest took place following President Donald Trump’s desire to either merge USAID with the Department of State or to abolish USAID itself. On Monday, Feb. 3, Trump’s senior adviser Elon Musk — along with members of Trump’s executive order-backed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — raided USAID.
As of Feb. 23, nearly all USAID employees are on leave and hold an unsure future. All aid has also been paused until further notice.
USAID was established in 1961 and provides foreign aid assistance to global communities facing humanitarian disasters. The agency also supports non-governmental organizations, independent media and social initiatives.
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Caitlin, a Washington resident who has worked in international development for a non-profit organization, attended the protest.
“An example is like a hospital. Imagine one day the hospital stops running and workers and patients alike cannot do anything. It is like any other job where suddenly a whole operating system just stops,” Caitlin said.
Some protesters declined for an interview due to fear of retribution for speaking out.
Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, who serves as vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, spoke at the protest.
“I want to be clear: The latest attempt by the Trump administration to freeze U.S.-funded foreign aid assistance and punish the men and women who are working at the agency is a gift to our adversaries that will make us less safe,” Warner said.
Of the many signs present at the protest, some signs read “We did not elect Elon” and “USAID saves lives.”
The future of USAID is still unknown. As of Feb. 28, USAID employees packed up their offices after the Trump administration placed employees on paid administrative leave.